You’ve had that filling for years. Maybe it was placed after a cavity in college, or perhaps it’s been protecting your tooth since childhood. Either way, it’s become part of you—until one day, you bite into something and feel a sensation that makes you pause. It’s not quite pain, but it’s not quite right either. That moment of uncertainty may mean your filling needs replacing.
At White Pine Family Dental, we’ve spent over 30 years helping Reno patients understand their oral health and make informed decisions about their care. We believe in more than just fixing problems; we’re here to help you recognize when a filling needs attention and guide you through every step of the replacement process. With a timely filling replacement from our caring team, you can avoid more extensive work, such as a root canal or dental crown.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Old Fillings
You know your mouth better than anyone. That nagging discomfort or subtle change you’ve noticed may be your body’s way of telling you something needs attention. The following warning signs may suggest your filling has reached the end of its useful life:
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
A sharp twinge when you sip your morning coffee or bite into ice cream isn’t something you should ignore. Sensitivity to hot or cold foods can indicate the filling has worn down or separated from your tooth, allowing temperatures to reach the nerve. While occasional sensitivity affects everyone, persistent discomfort around a filled tooth warrants evaluation.
Pain When Chewing
Sharp pain when biting down suggests a cracked or loose filling. You might notice this most when eating something chewy or crunchy. The discomfort happens because pressure on a damaged filling transfers force directly to the sensitive tooth structure underneath.
Rough Edges or Gaps
Run your tongue over your teeth. You might notice rough edges where the filling used to be smooth, or feel a gap developing between the filling and your tooth. These changes happen gradually as fillings wear down from years of chewing, grinding, and daily use.
Visible Damage or Discoloration
Sometimes you can see problems before you feel them. Dark spots around the edges of a filling often signal new decay. Cracks, chips, or visible wear patterns mean the filling has exceeded its lifespan. If you can see metal showing through on an old amalgam filling or notice discoloration around a composite filling, schedule an appointment for evaluation.
How Long Should Fillings Last?
Different filling materials have different lifespans. Amalgam (silver) fillings typically last 10 to 20 years, though some can function for much longer with proper care. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings generally last 5 to 10 years. Gold fillings can last 15 years or more, while glass ionomer fillings usually need replacement sooner, within 5 years.
However, your individual results depend on several factors. The location and size of the filling matter. Fillings in molars, which handle heavy chewing forces, wear faster than those in front teeth. Your oral hygiene habits play a major role. Regular brushing and flossing help fillings last longer by preventing decay around the margins. Your bite pattern and teeth-grinding habits also affect longevity. People who clench or grind their teeth put extra stress on fillings, wearing them down faster.
The Filling Replacement Process
Replacing an old filling is straightforward and nothing to fear. We numb the affected area, remove the old filling material and any decay, clean the space thoroughly, and place a new filling. The entire appointment usually takes less than an hour. Modern filling materials bond directly to your tooth, providing excellent durability and a natural appearance.
Some patients worry about the cost of replacing fillings before they fail completely. Consider this: replacing a worn filling prevents the tooth damage that would require a crown, which costs significantly more. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of filling replacement costs when medically necessary.
Trust Your Dental Team at White Pine Family Dental to Replace Your Old Dental Filling
Your smile tells your story, and every tooth plays a part in that narrative. When something feels off, you deserve a dental team who listens and responds with genuine care. At White Pine Family Dental, we’ve built our practice on the simple belief that exceptional oral health care starts with truly knowing our patients. For over 30 years, our doctors have been serving Reno families, taking time to understand each person’s unique needs and concerns.
We approach every filling replacement, every check-up, and every conversation with the same commitment: to make your life better through personalized dental care. Whether you’ve noticed sensitivity around an old filling or simply want to stay ahead of potential problems, we’re here to help you protect your smile for the long term. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience dental care that feels different because it puts you first.